Expo CLI vs React Native CLI

Expo CLI and React Native CLI are both tools for building mobile applications with React Native. While they serve similar purposes, they have some notable differences. In this article, we will explore those differences and help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.

Expo CLI

Expo CLI is a command-line tool that makes it easier to develop, build, and deploy React Native apps. Some of its key features include:

• Quick Start: Easily create a new React Native project using a pre-configured template.
• Expo SDK: A set of packages that provide access to native device functionalities such as camera, file system, and push notifications.
• Hot Reloading: See changes in your app in real-time as you code.
• Publishing: Use Expo's publishing service to quickly share your app with others without going through the app store review process.

Pros

• Quick and Easy Setup: Expo CLI makes it easy to get started with React Native development regardless of your level of experience.
• Development Speed: Thanks to its feature set, developers who use Expo CLI can often develop apps more quickly than those who use React Native CLI.
• Access to Features: Expo SDK provides easy access to native device features.

Cons

• Limited Native Functionality: While Expo SDK provides access to native features, it may not have all the functionality that you need.
• No Custom Native Modules: If you need to build a custom native module, you'll need to eject from Expo CLI and use React Native CLI.
• Limited Integration with Other Tools: Expo CLI works well within the Expo ecosystem, but it may not integrate as well with other tools.

React Native CLI

React Native CLI is a command-line tool that provides a more barebones approach to React Native development. Some of its key features include:

• More Customizable: Because it's more barebones, you have more control over the development process.
• Access to Full Native Functionality: Since it's not built on top of Expo SDK, you have access to the full suite of native functionality.
• Easier to Customize Native Modules: React Native CLI makes it easier to build and customize native modules.

Pros

• Full Native Functionality: With React Native CLI, you have access to the full suite of native functionality, which can be necessary for some projects.
• More Customizable: Because it's more barebones, you have more control over the development process.
• Better Integration with Other Tools: React Native CLI integrates better with other tools, making it easier to incorporate into your existing tech stack.

Cons

• Slower Initial Setup: Setting up a new project with React Native CLI can be more involved than with Expo CLI.
• Slow Development Speed: Compared to Expo CLI, React Native CLI can require more setup and development time due to its lack of preconfigured templates and convenient features.
• No Expo SDK: Without Expo SDK, developers need to manually add and configure libraries to access native features.

Conclusion

Deciding between Expo CLI and React Native CLI ultimately comes down to your project's needs. If you need quick and easy development, Expo CLI might be the better choice. If you require total access to native functionality and want more control over the development process, React Native CLI is the way to go.

Regardless of which tool you use, React Native provides a great platform for building high-performance, cross-platform apps. Choose the tool that best fits your needs and start building today!